Amador County – The Amador County Unified School District released a copy of a letter last week from the California Department of Education that said an appeal will be closed on district action in relation to alleged religious harassment of a student. Sharon Felix-Rachon, director of the state education department’s Office of Equal Opportunity, wrote a May 12th letter to School Superintendent Dick Glock, saying her office had “completed our review of the appeal filed by Etan E. Rosen on behalf” of Justin Zysman, an Amador High School student, and his mother, Molly Zysman. Rosen alleged that Justin “was subjected to harassment based on his religion and that the district failed to address the situation.” Felix-Rachon’s letter said: “Following our review of all materials submitted, we have determined that the appeal does not warrant further review by the California Department of Education and will be closed effective the date of this letter.” Felix-Rachon said the “appeal cites disagreement with the district’s decision but offers no issues of dispute or where the law has been misapplied.” She said the complaint was filed “well beyond the 6-month timeline” as required by law, and additionally that the “review has revealed that the district took immediate and appropriate action when the issues were brought to their attention without the filing of a formal complaint.” She said the state department of education “has no authority to intervene.” Justin Zysman, who is Jewish, said his locker in the sports dressing room at Amador High was defaced with a swastika and the words “burn Jew burn,” and said he was regularly harassed by students for his religious beliefs. The Zysmans alleged that the harassment was improperly handled by teachers and administration at the school. Glock, in a January school board meeting, said the district “has been very direct in addressing specific acts of intolerance.” He also summarized current or upcoming programs introduced by Assistant Superintendent Elizabeth Chapin-Pinotti designed to address issues including violence prevention, tolerance, stereotyping, bullying, prejudices, sexual harassment and empowering leaders. The school board was urged by members of Bnai Israel Foothill Jewish Community congregation to take a more broad approach to combat intolerance. The school board and Bnai members exchanged letters and comments saying they shared the same concerns. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Tuesday, 01 June 2010 06:16
Calif. Dept. of Education Closes Zysman Harassment Appeal
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Amador County – The Amador County Unified School District released a copy of a letter last week from the California Department of Education that said an appeal will be closed on district action in relation to alleged religious harassment of a student. Sharon Felix-Rachon, director of the state education department’s Office of Equal Opportunity, wrote a May 12th letter to School Superintendent Dick Glock, saying her office had “completed our review of the appeal filed by Etan E. Rosen on behalf” of Justin Zysman, an Amador High School student, and his mother, Molly Zysman. Rosen alleged that Justin “was subjected to harassment based on his religion and that the district failed to address the situation.” Felix-Rachon’s letter said: “Following our review of all materials submitted, we have determined that the appeal does not warrant further review by the California Department of Education and will be closed effective the date of this letter.” Felix-Rachon said the “appeal cites disagreement with the district’s decision but offers no issues of dispute or where the law has been misapplied.” She said the complaint was filed “well beyond the 6-month timeline” as required by law, and additionally that the “review has revealed that the district took immediate and appropriate action when the issues were brought to their attention without the filing of a formal complaint.” She said the state department of education “has no authority to intervene.” Justin Zysman, who is Jewish, said his locker in the sports dressing room at Amador High was defaced with a swastika and the words “burn Jew burn,” and said he was regularly harassed by students for his religious beliefs. The Zysmans alleged that the harassment was improperly handled by teachers and administration at the school. Glock, in a January school board meeting, said the district “has been very direct in addressing specific acts of intolerance.” He also summarized current or upcoming programs introduced by Assistant Superintendent Elizabeth Chapin-Pinotti designed to address issues including violence prevention, tolerance, stereotyping, bullying, prejudices, sexual harassment and empowering leaders. The school board was urged by members of Bnai Israel Foothill Jewish Community congregation to take a more broad approach to combat intolerance. The school board and Bnai members exchanged letters and comments saying they shared the same concerns. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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